Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in parts of Somalia, calling on the international community to step up assistance to communities affected by violence and extreme weather.
Speaking during the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, the Pope said violence and extreme weather events were further worsening already precarious living conditions, particularly for women and children.
“I am following with great concern the humanitarian crisis unfolding in parts of Somalia, where episodes of violence and extreme weather events are worsening the already precarious living conditions of the population, particularly women and children,” Pope Leo XIV said.
The Pontiff called for a generous response from the international community to ensure that affected communities receive the assistance they urgently need.
The appeal comes as humanitarian operations in Somalia face significant funding shortages. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that only about a third of its already reduced humanitarian budget has been funded.
The World Food Programme has also scaled back food assistance, with the number of people receiving support reportedly falling from about two million to 600,000 in 2026.
The humanitarian situation has been compounded by poor rainfall. Rainfall across the region has been significantly below average in 2026, forcing many families to move their livestock in search of increasingly scarce water.
Health services have also come under pressure. Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) has appealed to donors for additional support to restore and expand primary healthcare and malnutrition services in Somalia’s Mudug region, where more than 70 health facilities have reportedly closed.
Somalia has faced prolonged instability since the fall of President Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, with conflict and insecurity continuing to affect communities across the country. Islamist militant groups have also maintained a significant presence, particularly in rural areas.
Pope Leo XIV’s appeal comes amid growing calls for sustained international support for Somalia as communities confront the combined effects of conflict, drought-like conditions, displacement and reduced humanitarian assistance.
